1973 Mustang Project SportsRoof – Interior Walk-Through

Welcome back to the #ProjectSportsRoof.   As the discovery process continues we move to the interior.   Now each area of the car (engine, body, interior, undercarriage) I’m conducting an inventory, gathering all items that need to be replaced or missing and the work that needs to be done.

Here is a quick run through the interior:

 

Just a note:  I not a camera guy, these are filmed with my Android (sometimes my IPhone) so these are the greats shots.  But they will be improving as I learn the art of digital editing.

From these videos I’ll end up with a list of everything – discovered (there will me more).  From this list, I’ll be able to build the project plan and with tasked ordered in what is hopefully a logical approach, with the goal of keeping it on the road as much as possible.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to drop a comment or two.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

 projectsportsroof

Unusual Dash Configuration, 1971? – 7173MUSTANGS.com

I pulled this dash cluster from a 1973 Mustang Sportsroof that was in a junkyard in 1980. The car had the three center gauges in the mini cluster but had no Tach. Instead it had this clock with a brake warning light in the pod …
1973 Mustang Mach 1: Boss In The Background – Barn Finds

Related Finds. 1973 Mustang SportsRoof 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Under Tarp 1970-mustang-boss-302 1970 Boss 302 · Get Email Updates! Instant Daily Weekly. Categories. Stories · Sightings · Our Projects · Events …

1973 Mustang Project SportsRoof – Exterior Walk-Around

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof.  I run my car projects much like I run my IT projects.  You always have to know where to start and know the end game.   As with any project that isn’t being built from scratch, in other word, you have to work with what you’ve got, the final goals may change based on what you start out with.  So here at the beginning an inventory of what we have and what is need is necessary.

This is the part of the project where the list of To-Do’s begins.  Although these videos are short, I did spend significant time looking  over each section of the car.  From this I’ll come up with a parts list and then tasks list.

Keep in mind that I intend to this to be a driving project – keeping it on the road while it’s being restored (we’ll see how that works out).

As you can see the body is in pretty good shape over all.  But there is still a lot of work ahead.

Let me know your opinions, drop a comment.

Next up will be an inventory of the interior.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

#Mach1

1973 mustang sportsroof

Best Collection of Ford Mustang (1964-2015) | iHay Blog

1973 Mustang Sportsroof. 1974–1978 Mustang II. 1985–1986 Ford Mustang GT. 1989 Ford Mustang Convertible. 1999 Mustang GT side view. 2007–2009 Ford Mustang GT/CS convertible. 2010 Ford Mustang GT. 2014 Mustang Convertible …

1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof

As I posted before, after a vigorous (not read ‘desperate’) I finally found my next personal project.  The 1973 Mustang Sports Roof  Fastback is what I settled on.  Now we start the project that has been dubbed #ProjectSportsRoof (yes I find it necessary to use the ‘hash’).

1973 Mustang Color Code 2B.

1973 Mustang Color Code 2B.

I run my car projects much like I run my IT projects.  You always have to know where to start and know the end game and the key to that is knowing what you are starting with.   As with any project that isn’t being built from scratch, in other word, you have to work with what you’ve got, the final goals may change based on what you start out with and/or find later.   To help reduce the surprises, there will always be something that pops up unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to  begin with an inventory of what we have and what is needed and a logical starting point. We (as in me and you the reader) are at the beginning of the project.

Coming up next are the a few videos (maybe on only three, never sure, since the camera guy and I are one in the same) will be my first inspection.

Please feel free to interject via a comment or an email, always welcome the discussions.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

 

 

1973 mustang sportsroof

Mach 1 Interior: 1973 Mustang SportsRoof – Barn Finds

1973 Mustang SportsRoof. If Mach 1 Mustangs have gotten a little too pricey for you, may I suggest a less flashy fastback like this? The 351 under the hood isn’t as powerful as the top-of-the-line Cobra Jet, but it’s the same …

New Personal Project – 1973 Mustang

With the near completion of a customer’s project (1975 Model 110 VW) and the beginning of another customer’s Jensen Interceptor, I’ve finally completed my search for my next personal project.

Having recently completed and sold my 1984 Corvette and my 1970 Mustang, I’ve found my next project.

IMG_20150808_113458040

Introducing “Project SR”.  It is a 1973 Mustang Sports Roof.   The VIN breakdown looks like this:

Born:  April 1973 in Dearborn, MI (Code F)

Body Series: 02 Sports Roof  Code:  63D

Engine F Code – 302 2V V8

Color Code 2B – Bright Red

Trim Code GA – Black All Vinyl, Mach 1 Luxury

Axle Code:  8 – 3.00:1 gearing

Transmission Code:  W – C4 Automatic

DSO – Originally delivered to dealership in Omaha, Ne. and then shipped to Arizona(??)

That’s how it left the factory, however, that is not how it’s sits today.  Here’s a little back ground.

Project “SR” is a rescue project for the second time.  The first ‘known’ attempt was by the immediate previous owner.  Pulled from a junk yard by father/son combo for salvation.  This team has spent some meaningful time on this project.  As the factory codes show the car was powered by 302 2V as built.   When the father/son team pulled it out of the desert sun, it had 351 cid engine that was seized.  That is how is end up with the current 351 2v from a 1972 Mustang.  Putting the power to the rear wheels as it drove off the assembly line was a C4 automatic transmission, after all these years it now has a C6 automatic. Front end was completed by the team and then a couple fateful fender benders (both front fender on different days) and a desire to build a rat-rod had led this ‘Stang to it’s new home – my drive way!

Why pick this particular car out of the thousands I’ve viewed online and 30 or so I’ve looked over?  Well, I have a thing for Mustangs (and Corvettes) and this one is significant.   It is the last year for the big Mustangs as the 1974 models were…..um…..different.   What’s more the Code 63D Sports Roof/Fastback has a limited production for the 3 years is was offered.   1971 shows a production number of for the 63D 23,956 units, 1972 end with 15,622 Sports Roof examples and 1973  bottoms out the list with only 10,820 units – that is less than production of convertibles.  So out of the total Mustang unit produced of just over 518,000 for 1971-1973 only 53,358 63D’s were produced.  So you have last year production for the big bodied Mustangs and for the 63D and the lowest production.

So we are going to have some fun restoring this one and my followers on WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and a couple more will be able to keep up.  Search on #ProjectSR.

Over the next few weeks I’ll do a project shake down that will uncover what it needs which will help me arrive and what I want to accomplish with this beauty.   Follow along and I’d love to hear your thoughts,  suggestions, hints and tips.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#ProjectSR

 

1973 mustang sportsroof1973 mustang sportsroof

Ford Mustang

A 1973 Mustang Sportsroof
Mach 1 Interior: 1973 Mustang SportsRoof – Barn Finds

1973 Mustang SportsRoof. If Mach 1 Mustangs have gotten a little too pricey for you, may I suggest a less flashy fastback like this? The 351 under the hood isn’t as powerful as the top-of-the-line Cobra Jet, but it’s the same …

In-depth Tech: Valuable Tips For Selecting The Right Crankshaft

Cast, forged, billet? Straight-shot or cross-drilled? Experts from Eagle, Lunati and Scat offer tips and advice on selecting a crankshaft for your engine.

Engine builders are often conditioned into selecting crankshafts based solely on the expected horsepower output of the engine, or at least that often-optimistic number carries the most weight in the decision process. But savvy builders — whether assembling an honest street engine, rogue weekend warrior or a savage race-only bullet — will recognize the importance of analyzing other factors before choosing between cast iron, forged steel or billet steel.

Chase the link for the rest of the article:    Source: In-depth Tech: Valuable Tips For Selecting The Right Crankshaft

Thanks for reading.

Tim

racing crankshaftsracing crankshafts

Bryant Racing High Quality Custom Crankshafts | NASCAR …

It was a great weekend in Atlanta for Bryant Racing Crankshafts, as the winners for the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series and Sprint Cup Series all use our cranks! We had a 1-2-3 finish in the Sprint Cup race with …

2015 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang: 670 HP On Tap

2015 Roush Stangs!!

2015 Roush Stangs!!

You may have noticed the big announcement that ROUSH Performance made last week: that our all-new 2015 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang is producing 670 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. That’s an incredible 235 horsepower and 145 lb-ft over a stock 2015 Ford Mustang 5.0L.

With 134 horsepower per liter, the 2015 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang overshoots the competition with the most horsepower per liter when compared to Dodge’s most powerful offering in the segment (114 horsepower per liter) and the 92 horsepower per liter rating of another well-known supercharged 6.2L GM engine in the segment.

Power is important, but high horsepower numbers don’t mean nearly as much if you’re trying to move a ton of weight. The RS3 is again at the top of the ranks with the lowest weight per horsepower of the competition (approximately 5.70lbs per horsepower) compared to an estimated 6.32lb/hp* and 7.10lb/hp respectively.

– See more at: http://www.torquedmag.com/2015-roush-stage-3-mustang-670-hp-on-tap/#sthash.Vzt4t6cz.dpuf

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#Roush

Roush of Power – Car and Driver Blog

Roush has announced the final output of its prodigiously powerful supercharged RS3. Is it the latest to join the “700-hp Club?” Find out at Car and Driver.
2015 Roush RS3 Mustang Delivers 670 HP and 545 LB-FT …

Tired of Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat owners having all of the fun at the drag strip? For any sixth-generation Mustang owners out there, famous Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] tuner Roush has a package that may just …
2015 Roush Stage 3 Mustang | Pictures, Specs, Performance

Famed American tuner Roush has released performance specs for its Stage 3 Ford Mustang.

Going All On Black With Marcus Walther’s Aggressive 1966 Chevy Nova – Chevy Hardcore

American muscle in the middle of Europe!  This is one awesome car!!!

Murdered out and roaming the streets of Kastrup, Denmark, American muscle is loud and proud outside of the United States. In particular, Marcus Walther’s 1966 Chevrolet Nova pays homage to that old school Detroit muscle.

Denmark is a small country located in Northern Europe, but we can’t knock Walther and his obsession with American cars. Walther is the owner of Rudetoning Custom Solfilm in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Walther has been running his window tinting business for the past 15 years. Servicing nearly 1,500 cars per year, Walther and his team strive to give customers the best quality tint job around.

Walther’s infatuation with American cars has led to astounding results. Rebuilding cars for years, Walther began his journey with American-made cars by reconditioning Chevrolet Astro Vans and Chevy pickup trucks.

Chase the link for more:  Going All On Black With Marcus Walther’s Aggressive 1966 Chevy Nova – Chevy Hardcore

Marcus Walther's 1966 Chevy II Nova

Marcus Walther’s 1966 Chevy II Nova

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Wheels of Time Rod & Custom Jamboree to host ‘Munsters’ star, replica car

Patrick now heads Munster Muscle Exports, a business that specializes in the export of American muscle cars overseas, mostly to Australia, where the iconic cars of the 1950s through the ’70s are in high demand. This year’s jamboree. Wheels of Time …

Auto Factoids for Week of April 12, 2015

Just got this out for the week!!   Here is your Auto Factoids (#autofactoids) for April 12, 2015.

April 13 1965  Pontiac 10-millionth

The car was a 1965 Catalina.

1965 4 door Catalina the 10th Millionth Pontiac

1965 4 door Catalina the 10th Millionth Pontiac

 

April 13 1904  Caddy assembly plant burned to the ground.  More info on this site:   http://www.car-nection.com/yann/dbas_txt/Factq-s.htm

 

April 14, 1927  First Volvo is produced

1927 Volvo "Jakob"

1927 Volvo “Jakob”

It had wooden (ash and copper beech) underpinnings, sheet steel panels, leather upholstery, live axles and long leaf springs – loosely based on an American design.  It had a 4 cylinder engine that produced 28 hp.

 

April 16, 1908  Oakland motors sells its first car.

I believe they actually began producing cars in 1907.

I believe they actually began producing cars in 1907.

 

April 17, 1964 Ford Mustang debuts

1964 2+2 Mustang

1964 2+2 – My favorite of the under 1968 Mustangs.

 

 

4/17/1969 Ford began selling the Maverick.  <cricket…..cricket…>  Come on..it was a good car and getting more and more collectible!!!

 

1964  Maverick

1964 Maverick – Proper mods and you’ll have a monster street car!!

 

April 18, 1955  Lincoln becomes a separate division of Ford.   Lincoln started out as a separate brand in 1917 with its plant at 6200 West Warren Avenue in Detroit, Michigan and was name after Abe Lincoln. They began business by producing Liberty aircraft engine with pistons purchased from Ford for WWI.  After the war the re-fitted the plant and produced luxury  Ford bought the company in 1922.
April 18, 1964  Sunbeam Tiger Debuts

 

Shelby Cobra was the inspiration for the Tiger.

Shelby Cobra was the inspiration for the Tiger.

 

 

 Thanks for reading

Tim

#autofactoids

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of April 5, 2015 – Lotus and Tires

It’s a light week for the automotive history. April 5, 1923 Firestone introduces balloon tires. Everything we’ve accomplished with our rides has greatly depend and relied on Mr. Firestone’s improvement. It was a combination of …
Auto Factoids for the Week of 3/29/2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) to finish out March and kick off April 2015. March 29, 1980 – Audi introduced their all wheel drive 1980.

1965 FIA World Manufacturers’ GT Championship – Bob Bondurant

You no doubt know about Ford and Carroll Shelby’s Cobra winning the 1965 FIA World Manufacturer’s GT Championship – breaking Enzo Ferrari’s reign on the in that event.   But this short video tells more about what Bob Bondurant endured during those races.   He is a true racing icon.

 

I’ve had the thrill of running Bondurant course here in Phoenix, AZ., include the F1 event held at Phoenix International Raceway.   All great experiences from a well run organization.

 

Check out the story of how the U.S. Team (with Bob and two English drivers) took home the win.

 

 

Enjoy and thanks for reading.

Tim

1965 ford cobra gtcarroll shelbybob bondurant

Saleen Unveils its 730HP 302 Black Label Mustang via reddit.com

 

We have always known that we wanted to create the most powerful production Mustang we have ever built,” explained Sven Etzelsberger, the Vice President of Saleen engineering. “I can happily say that we have accomplished this goal with great success.” And how do we measure success with the 2015 Black Label Mustang? Let us count the ways.

Black Label

Black Label

 

One, the Saleen Black Label will capable of 730 horsepower through its 5.0 Coyote engine by utilizing a twin-screw supercharger. This is a good bit more than the 640 horsepower we were expecting. Two, it will also come with 600 lb-ft of torque that will be eloquently put down to the tarmac with a set of staggered 20-inch tires. Three, as with anything this capable of speed, it must also slow down just as quick, which is taken care of with a set of 15-inch rotors and multi-piston brakes.

 

Finish the count don’t at:  Saleen Unveils its 730HP 302 Black Label Mustang via reddit.com.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

saleen black label mustang